March 12, 2005

The Arab Dream

For non-Arabic readers, these are the lyrics of an Arabic song called the "Arab Dream" which is about a dream for peace, unity, optimism, positive attitude, and hope. I find it very appropriate to post here as it is one of the very few "large group" productions in the Arab world, sung by many artists from all around the Arab world, done in the "We are the World" style, the effort is very befitting the meaning in the song itself, I am very touched every time it plays, as it reminds me of the older generations' dream for unity of the Arab world, and at times when Iraqis and Palestinian children were being bombed by people that have no right to be in their land or skies, it provokes a deeper meaning inside all of us, one of anger, helplessness and disgust.

Sorry, but I have to say I can't stand this song. The idealism and romanticism contained in the lyrics is so typical of the Arab mindset today. It shows that the only thing that today's Arab leaders have in common is rhetoric.

This song is far away from reality... it really is just "a dream". Compare to the much better music of Fairuz back in the day... or for something contemporary, try listening to some Arab rap, which is far more realistic and down to earth.

This song has a lot of meaning which allows for us to 'dream' and hope for a better future for the new Arab generation. Be it that it does not represent the trust and worth of our nations today it is yet a symbolic wish of what the hopeful future to come.

Call me an optimist bus I shall dream of one united arab nation and a better future for my children

hi 1PA. It is so nice I found someone with similar thought as myself. by the way, you have earned a great deal of respect, from me personally.. I really look up to you.. rabena yekremek!

One thing that really pisses me off are the negative comments of some pple such as .."it is unrealistic", It is "only a dream".. Well, i believe a dream can become true. Problem is, the negative aspects will only change when each Arab leader thinks of the true need of his people and his country. When those leaders stop fearing anyone but Allah.. When they realise that we have so much strength but we need to start using it, when they realise that all the Arab/Moslem leaders need to unite and if just a number of them do, won't even say all, they will form a large power if they all unite under the belief "In tansoro Allah yansorkom" and "kam min fi2aten kaleela ghalabat fi2atan katheera (or kabeera, not sure) bi Ithn Illah"..The other aspect is some individuals in the society.. they need to start being really proud of being Arab, whether moslem or christian.. WE need to be proud of who we are and not try to become something we aren't.. It is alright to make use of the positive aspects the West offers, but to still be proud of our roots!

Finally, where the song is concerned, the song is beautiful, portraying a dream that insha'Allah will come true some day. I am Optimistic!

I used to love this young when it first came out. Was very expressively emotional. However, listening to it now is not the same. Just a symbol of erratic emotions with no grounding and no direction. Just some sympathy for those who have devastating lives and no future to look to. I wish everyone would talk less and do more and use their emotions in a more concrete directed manner.

hmmm...I don't care much for the song. If you like it then fair enough. However it does bring up one aspect that I really hate, Arabism. I'm an Arab myself (Syrian) so don't think I'm having a go at you. The issue is, I really do not believe there is anything called Arabism. What does it mean? A group of people that speak Arabic? What kind of bond is that? Or does it mean a group of people that have the same traditions or culture? That's still not true as even within Syria itself, each city has different traditions and cultures. Maybe not as drastically different as when compared with the west, but still, it's not a common bond. Sicilians might have closer traditions to some Arab countries than others. The only bond man could have are ideological bonds. Bonds that say "we think alike". What is right for me is right for you and what is wrong for me is wrong for you. It is the bond of thought, which personally the only relation I see with another man is that of Islam.

If Arabs are going to keep on going on Arab unit and Arab nationalism then you can forget we will ever be anything anymore.

“ There are people who control spacious territories teeming with manifest and hidden resources. They dominate the intersections of world routes. Their lands were the cradles of human civilizations and religions. These people have one faith, one language, one history and the same aspirations. No natural barriers can isolate these people from one another ... if, per chance, this nation were to be unified into one state, it would then take the fate of the world into its hands and would separate Europe from the rest of the world. Taking these considerations seriously, a foreign body should be planted in the heart of this nation to prevent the convergence of its wings in such a way that it could exhaust its powers in never-ending wars. It could also serve as a springboard for the West to gain its coveted objects.” - 1902 - Sir Campbell Bannerman, Prime Minister of Britain [1905-08]

This nation is the nation of Islam that stretch from Morrocco to Indonesia and from Chechenia to Somalia.

Hi, I'm so interested in get this song, but I can't find it in the web, it's so weird I tried in a lot of webs but I can't find anything. If some of you can give me some information about it, I will be so greatfull. Thanx :)

this song rocks this is the Arab dream and who ever says any thing other then that is not an Arab at all. this dream will come true one day and all of us Arabs will be united as one. this dream will get somewhere and is Israel better watch out.